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OPT-IN LAPTOP PROGRAM 2013 – 2014

The Opt-in Laptop Program provides Adobe, Microsoft and other software, and high quality service and support to minimize time lost learning due to technology failures. We support you on campus through a Laptop Helpdesk, including software imaging support and on-campus repair support.

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How does the Laptop Program work?

• Bring your own laptop or purchase an OCAD U recommended laptop computer.
  
  We recommend you purchase it through our on-campus store called 317c: The Store for Computers and Books.
  
  
• We license the software you need at prices lower than standard academic discount. We then charge you fees for software and support that are applied annually or one-time.
  
  
• We support you on campus through a Laptop Help Desk, including software imaging support and on-campus Apple repair support.

Do you own a laptop?

I own an Apple MacBook Pro or Air	Great! You own a recommended computer. You don't need to buy a new computer.
I don't have a computer.	Please buy an OCAD U Recommended Laptop.
I have some other kind of laptop.	You may use your laptop, but there is limited support for it.

 

Program	Opt-in Laptop Program
MacBook Pro 15" (Retina and non-Retina)	Recommended
MacBook Pro 13" (Retina and non-Retina)	Recommended
MacBook Air	Supported, not recommended.
Lenovo W Series	Recommended
Any other PC Laptop	Not Recommended

What Software?

The software bundle includes the most current version of:

• Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection
• Microsoft Office
• Unlimited access to Lynda.com.

When new versions of Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite are released, we roll these out to students typically by the next semester.

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What does it cost?

Please refer to the Fees page for the most detail for your program.

What does it mean "opt-in"?

The program works by allowing students to choose to participate in the Software licensing and Support on an annual basis through a set of fees. By choosing to opt-in, you are purchasing a subscription to the software and support that lasts for the duration of your studies at OCAD University. Once you join, you are charged fees every year until you graduate.

By modelling the program on a subscription, you receive not just one box of software but all the future versions of the programs while you are enrolled in the program. Because software is updated every 12 to 18 months, it's important that we provide you with current software that runs on the latest technology.

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Can I opt-out?

You can only opt out of the program under very specific circumstances:

1. If you opt-in accidentally, you can opt-out within 48 hours of opting-in by contacting the Manager, Academic Computing
2. If you switch your program of study, you can opt-out of the program before the last business day in January of any year. For instance, if you enrolled while a Printmaking student, and switch to Sculpture/Installation, you may request to withdraw from the program.
3. If you have completed your studio of courses, and are only taking Liberal Arts & Science courses
4. If there is some other special or extenuating circumstance that prevents you from continuing in the program.

Once you opt-out, you cannot opt back in again.

Otherwise, you cannot opt-out. The program is a subscription not a one-time purchase, and the price is lower because of that. It's like a mobile phone contract: the cost of the device is cheaper with a contract than buying it outright.

OCAD University subscribes to a certain number of licenses from Adobe and Microsoft, and the low cost of a license for a student is achieved through a large number of students participating, and multi-year participation. According to Adobe and Microsoft, if you're running the software and still eligible for upgrades, you pay the yearly fee.

If you have further concerns please contact the Manager, Academic Computing

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How do I opt-in to the program?

1. You buy an OCAD University recommended laptop computer or use your existing Apple laptop, so long as it's one of the supported models. If you need to buy a computer, we suggest you purchase it through our on-campus store called 317c: The Store for Computers and Books because they're offering some great bundles that you will not find anywhere else. You can purchase the machine anywhere, as long as it's the recommended model.
2. You must be a currently registered student.
3. Log in to the Registration system, browse to the main menu and if you are an Illustration student select the menu option for the Opt-in Laptop Program. You will be guided through an agreement, which you need to accept. Once you accept the agreement, you will receive a confirmation email, and the fees will be charged to your account when your tuition is assessed.
4. Go to the 664 Helpdesk for Software imaging and support.

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When can I opt-in?

You may opt-in any time during the year, but we recommend that you opt-in during the Fall Semester..

How do I get the software?

Once you have opted in, you can have your laptop imaged at the Laptop Helpdesk in room 664, 6th Floor, and if there is software for you to pickup, you can do it there.

We license the software on your behalf and you are charged fees on your student account. You do not need to purchase any software.

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What if I am taking a minor in Graphic Design, Communication Design or Material Art & Design?

You're in the mandatory Laptop Program, and this opt-in program is not for you.

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Can I opt-in to the Software only?

No. Currently, we are not offering this as an option for the opt-in Illustration Laptop Program. The Faculty of Design feel strongly that students need to be appropriately supported.

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Can I opt-out of the Mobile Computing Fee?

No. Our surveys show that students expect OCAD University to support their computers, and we know that students need our assistance.

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Can I opt-out of the Print Fee?

No. The program is modelled on the mandatory Laptop Program in the Faculty of Design, and thus it is the same.

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I have other questions.

Continue reading the rest of the FAQ here.

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